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Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ world was flipped upside down after hotel footage was released showing him assaulting Cassandra ‘Cassie’ Ventura. Although he didn’t seem to be excusing Diddy’s actions, Diddy’s lawyer explained the reasoning behind the attack.

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ lawyer provided insight into the infamous hotel footage

Sean 'Diddy' Combs and Cassie posing backstage during the Puff Daddy and The Family Bad Boy Reunion Tour.
Cassie and Sean Diddy Combs | Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

After Cassie sued Diddy back in November, 2023, many were already aware of the music mogul’s problematic relationship with his young protege. But the hotel footage released of Diddy’s assault on Cassie left no room for doubt when it came to the singer’s claims against him. What made matters worse was that this was far from an isolated incident, as Diddy’s abuse was a recurring situation until Cassie finally left him.

Diddy is currently being defended by Marc Agnifilo, who’s been vigorously defending his client. He’s also been providing updates about Diddy’s time in prison, revealing that the hitmaker is in surprisingly good spirits all things considered.

“His state of mind is actually remarkable positive,” the attorney said on TMZ‘s documentary The Downfall of Diddy. “I spend several hours with him every day… His resolve is strong. He’s engaged.”

He touched on Diddy’s cooperation with the case, as well as his willingness to take the stand in order to tell his story. He also felt that the hotel video footage, though condemning, wasn’t proof of Diddy’s more extreme crimes.

“It’s hard to watch for anyone,” Agnifilo said. “That being said, it is not evidence of sex trafficking. There was a certain level of toxicity and drug use in the 10-year relationship between Mr Combs and the woman that he was in love with.”

Agnifilio asserted that Diddy’s treatment of Cassie, including what was seen in the hotel footage, was due to Diddy believing she was unfaithful.

Ironically, however, Diddy shared a few years ago that women he dated were more likely to think he was the one who’d cheat. In an interview with The Breakfast Club, which has gained traction these past couple of months, Diddy shared what dating him was like for his partners.

“What I can deliver out of a pie, is I could promise you that… If I’m in a relationship with you, like 25 percent of your time you’re gon’ feel like, ‘Oh man, I hate being here, oh man I hate this guy. Oh man, he cheated on me, he lied on me!'” Diddy said. “That’s 25 percent, know what I’m saying? But then there’s 75 percent of ‘I’mma make you the happiest woman in the whole wide world.’”

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ lawyer claims the government leaked hotel footage

Diddy went to great lengths to conceal the hotel footage that started his downfall. The fact that it took nine years before the footage was a testament to Diddy’s power. According to Cassie’s own lawsuit, the incident happened at Los Angeles’ InterContinental Hotel. Diddy paid the hotel $50,000 to make sure the footage never saw the light of day. When it did, Diddy released an apology for his actions.

“My behavior on that video is inexcusable. I take full responsibility for my actions in this video. They’re disgusting. I was disgusted then when I did it, I’m disgusted now,” Diddy once posted on social media according to Variety.

Some felt the apology was sincere. The general consensus, however, seemed to be that Diddy was simply doing damage control for the video being leaked in the first place.

According to Diddy’s attorney, however, the government is responsible for leaking the video to CNN. The CEO’s lawyers filed a motion to prevent the footage from being shown during Diddy’s trial, as it might be used to unfairly sway public opinion. Diddy’s attorney also accused the government of leaking the raids on his Miami and Los Angeles homes to the publication. Agnifilo seeks to stop the government from allegedly leaking even more information that threaten to improperly influence Diddy’s upcoming trial.

How to get help: In the U.S., call the RAINN National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 to connect with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area. 

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